B.C. launches $400M fund to directly invest in private projects
VICTORIA -- British Columbia has launched a $400 million fund to directly invest in private-sector projects or provide them with loans.
Wolfgang Depner
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British Columbia business leaders call for PST expansion to be scrapped
VICTORIA -- A coalition of business leaders says British Columbia's government must scrap the planned expansion of provincial sales tax to a range of professional services, saying it will depress economic growth and send business to other provinces.
Eby says it looks like OpenAI could have prevented 'horrific' Tumbler Ridge killings
British Columbia Premier David Eby says it "looks like" OpenAI had the opportunity to prevent the recent mass shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in which nine people died, as pressure piles on the artificial intelligence firm over its handling of interactions with 18-year-old shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar. Eby said Monday there would be a public accounting in which the company...
Eby says it looks like OpenAI could have prevented 'horrific' Tumbler Ridge killings
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby says it "looks like" OpenAI had the opportunity to prevent the recent mass shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in which nine people died, as pressure piles on the artificial intelligence firm over its handling of interactions with 18-year-old shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Business group serves B.C. Premier Eby a budget blast at breakfast meeting
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby has been served up a heap of criticism about his government's budget while attending a breakfast meeting of business leaders.
B.C. budget 'lands in the middle' between cuts and safeguarding core services: Bailey
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's finance minister started to sell her "tough" budget Wednesday to business leaders who describe her deficit numbers as "scary," while other groups are tabulating the losses.
Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says federal strategy gets "two thumbs up" from B.C.
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says he will be meeting with federal Defence Minister David McGuinty to discuss shipbuilding in B.C. among other possibilities following the release of Canada's defence industrial strategy.
A B.C. budget few like, with job cuts, higher taxes and increased debt and deficit
VICTORIA -- No wonder British Columbia Finance Minister Brenda Bailey thought she was going to be "the least popular person in the province."
B.C. budget delays care homes, hospital and cancer facility, student housing
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's budget is delivering hits to the young, the old and cancer patients alike as government construction undergoes "re-pacing" to address fiscal pressures.
B.C. hikes tax rate as budget delivers record $13 billion deficit
VICTORIA -- British Columbia Finance Minister Brenda Bailey has unveiled what she calls a “serious” budget for 2026 that raises the base income tax rate while failing to rein in the deficit as previously pledged.
Provincial deficit 'unsustainable' as budget comes Tuesday, B.C. official says
VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government didn't have the opportunity to hint about what was coming in the provincial budget in its annual throne speech but both the premier and his finance minister have foreshadowed a cinching of government spending.
Tumbler Ridge killings prompts very different start to B.C. legislative session
VICTORIA -- A new session of the British Columbia legislature opened today with Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia saying in the speech from the throne that the people of Tumble Ridge, B.C., are "suffering unimaginable pain."
B.C. throne speech cancelled because of Tumbler Ridge shooting
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's provincial legislature has cancelled Thursday's throne speech because of the mass shooting that claimed nine lives in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
CP NewsAlert: B.C. throne speech cancelled because of Tumbler Ridge shooting
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's provincial legislature has cancelled Thursday's throne speech because of the mass shooting that claimed nine lives in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
Eby lacks winning conditions for early election as B.C. Legislature resumes: analyst
VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government heads into a legislative session this week with an $11.2 billion deficit, economic uncertainty, and plans to roll back a law on Indigenous rights -- and an expert says none of that adds up to "winning conditions" in a potential early election.
BC Greens won't renew accord with NDP, citing 'undelivered or stalled' commitments
VICTORIA -- The BC Green Party announced Monday that it will not renew an accord with the Premier David Eby's NDP when the deal expires next month, potentially undermining the stability of the provincial government with its one-seat majority.
'Strategic choice': B.C. backs bid to host new defence bank in Vancouver
British Columbia's government is supporting a private bid to host a new international bank to finance military projects by democratic nations, with Premier David Eby calling Vancouver the "strategic choice" to host it. The Defence, Security and Resilience Bank is intended to finance military projects for members of NATO and its allies. Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto have also been pit
'Strategic choice': B.C. backs bid to host new defence bank in Vancouver
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's government is supporting a private bid to host a new international bank to finance military projects by democratic nations, with Premier David Eby calling Vancouver the "strategic choice" to host it.
Cascadia movement has roots in the past, but does B.C. separatism have a future?
VICTORIA -- In 2017, Cory Pahl was a candidate for the Cascadia Party of British Columbia, whose official goals included the creation of a provincial assembly that would assert the sovereign rights of "British Columbians, Canadians and Cascadians."
B.C. seeks to appeal DRIPA ruling in top court, says 'core democratic values' at risk
VICTORIA -- A First Nations leader says the British Columbia government wants amendments that propose a "gutting" of its own reconciliation legislation.
B.C. asks top court to hear DRIPA appeal, saying 'core democratic values' at stake
VICTORIA -- British Columbia has applied to the Supreme Court of Canada to hear an appeal against a landmark court ruling that found the province's mineral claims regime was "inconsistent" with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, embodied in a provincial law known as DRIPA.
Former Conservative leader John Rustad might be running for his old job: report
Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad says he will "make himself available" to talk about a potential bid for his old job next week when the legislature resumes in Victoria. Rustad says he has "no comment" about a report, which says he has received and requested a leadership application, but promises to discuss the issue when the legislative session starts...
Former Conservative leader John Rustad might be running for his old job: report
VICTORIA -- Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad says he will "make himself available" to talk about a potential bid for his old job next week when the legislature resumes in Victoria.
10 candidates in B.C. Conservative leadership race as Banman and Kooner join field
VICTORIA -- B.C. Conservative MLAs Bruce Banman and Steve Kooner are joining the contest to lead the party, pushing the field of candidates into double digits.
B.C. minister is 'cautiously optimistic' Ottawa will help after Fraser Valley floods
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's emergencies minister says she's cautiously optimistic about securing federal funding to prevent future flooding in the Abbotsford region, as she prepares to head to Ottawa with the city's mayor.
Former MP Findlay joins B.C. Conservative race amid donation row
Former federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay has joined the race to lead the Conservative Party of B.C., immediately joining the fray over who is conservative enough for the job. Findlay, who is married to Conservative MLA Brent Chapman, says in a statement she is running because she doesn't want former B.C. Liberals to take over the party, saying they are pursuing...
Former MP Findlay joins B.C. Conservative race amid donation row
VICTORIA -- Former federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay has joined the race to lead the Conservative Party of B.C., immediately joining the fray over who is conservative enough for the job.
First Nation leader urges B.C. to maintain DRIPA as Eskay Creek mine deal is signed
VICTORIA -- The president of the Tahltan Central Government says British Columbia shouldn't change its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, just as the First Nation and the provincial government celebrate a landmark agreement based on the legislation.
Why two skulls unearthed in B.C. could be harbingers for future archeological woes
Last June, landscapers working on a site in Kamloops, B.C., came upon a troubling discovery -- two human skulls and jawbones.
No possession arrests without 'extenuating circumstances': head of B.C. police chiefs
VICTORIA -- The president of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police says people will not be arrested for possession of small amounts of drugs after the end of decriminalization on Jan. 31, "unless there are extenuating circumstances."
Premier Eby says new markets, reforms will help forestry, but results will take time
VICTORIA -- Premier David Eby says a recent agreement advancing wood construction in China will deliver results for the forestry industry in British Columbia, but also acknowledges that it will take "time, energy and commitment" to create a sustainable industry.
B.C. energy minister Dix says North Coast Transmission Line will boost LNG project
British Columbia's Energy Minister Adrian Dix says an agreement between BC Hydro and the Nisga'a First Nation will help power a planned floating LNG terminal in northwestern B.C. across the finish line.
Energy minister Dix says North Coast Transmission Line will facilitate LNG project
British Columbia's energy minister Adrian Dix says an agreement between BC Hydro and the Nisga'a First Nation will help power a planned floating LNG terminal in northwestern B.C. across the finish line.
B.C. postponing changes to heritage act to increase consultation, says minister
VICTORIA -- Forests Minister Ravi Parmar says the B.C. government is postponing changes to the law that governs the designation and protection of heritage sites, because it needs more time to consult with First Nations, industry and other groups.
B.C. First Nations raise alarm over Chilcotin River landslide risk
First Nations in British Columbia's central Interior are sounding the alarm over landslide risk along the same stretch of the Chilcotin River where a massive slide blocked the waterway for several days in the summer of 2024.
Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare says leadership rules meant to stop 'funny business'
VICTORIA -- A leadership candidate for British Columbia's Conservatives says recently announced rules for the contest are intended to stop "any funny business" following last year's leadership review that was marred by fraud allegations.
B.C. Conservatives unveil leadership race rules as Peter Milobar joins growing field
British Columbia's Conservative Party has unveiled rules for its leadership race that include $115,000 in fees for contestants, who must sign a pledge to support the eventual winner set to be announced at the end of May. The rules say voting under a preferential ballot system will be held from May 9 to May 30, while the deadline for nominations...
B.C. Conservatives unveil leadership race rules as Peter Milobar joins growing field
VICTORIA -- British Columbia's Conservative Party has unveiled rules for its leadership race that include $115,000 in fees for contestants, who must sign a pledge to support the eventual winner set to be announced at the end of May.
Peter Milobar joins growing field in B.C. Conservative leadership race
VICTORIA -- Peter Milobar, the finance critic for the opposition B.C. Conservatives, is joining the race to lead the party.
Coastal First Nations call on Carney to defend the B.C. tanker ban in pipeline talks
PRINCE RUPERT -- Coastal First Nations president Marilyn Slett says she called on Prime Minister Mark Carney in a meeting Tuesday to maintain and protect the oil tanker moratorium in his government's pipeline talks with Alberta.
Carney meets with Coastal First Nations to talk about major projects, oceans
PRINCE RUPERT -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday his meeting with Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert, B.C. is about "dialogue" and exploring how First Nations can partner with the federal government to build the economy.
Fulmer says B.C. Conservatives must be a grand coalition as he enters leadership race
Yuri Fulmer said the Conservative Party of B.C. needs to be a "grand coalition" that refrains from "undisciplined" behaviour if it wants to govern, as he becomes the first high-profile candidate to run for the party's leadership. Fulmer, the chancellor of Capilano University who made his fortune with fast food franchises, said that means that the Conservatives have to "welcome...
Fulmer says B.C. Conservatives must be a grand coalition as he enters leadership race
VICTORIA -- Yuri Fulmer said the Conservative Party of B.C. needs to be a "grand coalition" that refrains from "undisciplined" behaviour if it wants to govern, as he becomes the first high-profile candidate to run for the party's leadership.
Yuri Fulmer running to lead B.C. Conservatives, website reveals
VICTORIA -- Vancouver entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer is running for the leadership of the Conservative Party of B.C., with his campaign website going live in advance of an official announcement that's expected this week.
Harman Bhangu says he will 'most likely' run for leadership of B.C. Conservatives
VICTORIA -- B.C. Conservative MLA Harman Bhangu says he will "most likely" run for the leadership of the provincial Opposition party, if the yet-to-be-released rules for the race are to his liking.
Noah beats Oliver as most popular name for B.C. babies in 2025: province
VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government says Noah was the most popular name for babies in 2025, beating out Oliver, which had topped the list last year.
9.0 quake in B.C. would kill thousands and cost $128 billion, report foresees
VICTORIA -- A British Columbia government report foresees more than 3,400 fatalities and more than 10,000 injuries if an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 strikes off Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Island MP Aaron Gunn won't run for leadership of B.C. Conservatives
Vancouver Island MP Aaron Gunn says he won't run for the leadership of the Conservative Party of B.C. because he doesn't want to risk giving the federal Liberals a majority government. Gunn says his departure could "upend the balance of power in Ottawa" and leaving would be too great a risk as Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to pursue a...
Vancouver Island MP Aaron Gunn won't run for leadership of B.C. Conservatives
VICTORIA -- Vancouver Island MP Aaron Gunn said he won't run for the leadership of the Conservative Party of B.C. because he doesn't want to risk giving the federal Liberals a majority government.
B.C. mills processed more than one million cubic metres of wildfire chips in 2024-25
VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government says cutting red tape has allowed provincial pulp mills to more than double their use of timber salvaged from forest fires.
B.C. Conservative leadership race will present new vision, unify members: Halford
It was a surreal moment on a day full of such moments. Trevor Halford walked into the main chamber of the British Columbia legislature on Dec. 3 as interim leader of his Conservative Party of B.C., following an appointment by the party board. Hours earlier, 20 Conservative MLAs had released a letter in which they said that they had lost...
B.C. Conservative leadership race will present new vision, unify members: Halford
VICTORIA -- It was a surreal moment on a day full of such moments.
B.C.'s David Eby 'not seeking' 2026 election, after year that tested NDP coalition
It should have been a very bad day for David Eby's government. But on Dec. 3, the morning after the pending closure of the pulp mill in Crofton, B.C., was announced with the loss of 350 jobs, the political focus was on the leadership saga in the Opposition B.C. Conservatives, as 20 of the party's MLAs called on then-leader John...
B.C.'s David Eby 'not seeking' 2026 election, after year that tested NDP coalition
VICTORIA -- It should have been a very bad day for David Eby's government.
Ex-grocery executive, Jones, says customer is boss as he eyes B.C. Conservative job
VICTORIA -- Former grocery executive Darrell Jones said he plans to apply lessons learned from B.C. billionaire Jimmy Pattison to the political world as he considers running for the leadership of the provincial Conservatives.
Ex-grocery boss Jones says customer is boss as he eyes B.C. Conservative leadership
VICTORIA -- Former grocery executive Darrell Jones says he plans to apply lessons learned from B.C. billionaire Jimmy Pattison to the political world as he considers running for the leadership of the provincial Conservatives.
Dew won't seek B.C. Conservative leadership, says party can't chase 'squirrels'
VICTORIA -- Kelowna, B.C., MLA Gavin Dew says he doesn't want to lead the B.C. Conservatives, citing family reasons.
OneBC party split over staffer's 'disgusting' views on Jews, says ex-leader Brodie
VICTORIA -- British Columbia legislator Dallas Brodie, whose OneBC party has removed her as leader, says the split happened after colleagues tried to stop her from firing a caucus staffer whose views on Jewish people were "disgusting" and antisemitic.
OneBC party split over staffer's 'disgusting' views on Jews, says ex-leader Brodie
Victoria -- British Columbia legislator Dallas Brodie, whose OneBC party has removed her as leader, said the split happened after colleagues tried to stop her from firing a caucus staffer whose views on Jewish people were "disgusting" and antisemitic.
15 extortion suspects are seeking refugee status, Canada's border agency says
The Canada Border Services Agency says 15 foreigners facing extortion charges have applied for refugee status in Canada.